JP2003108496A - Device for transmitting image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit and receive a data read from a set document as plural files at once, that is, as one electronic mail, via a network. SOLUTION: In this image transmitting and receiving device having a reading part 8 for reading the transmitting document to be output, and a format conversion part 7 for converting the data output from the reading part 8 into a data transmittable via the network, and for transmitting the converted data as a bundled file of the electronic mail via the network, the document data corresponding to a plurality of pages provided by reading the plural pages of transmitted document by the reading part 8 is divided into the plurality of files constituted of the document data corresponding to one or the plurality of pages, and the plurality of files is transmitted via the network by one transmission operation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image transmitting apparatus for converting an image read by a reading means such as a scanner into a file and transmitting it as a file attached to an electronic mail via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computer networks including the Internet have been rapidly developed, and techniques for utilizing the networks have been developed in image processing apparatuses such as scanners and facsimile machines.

A technique called "Scan to Email" is known as an image transmitting apparatus using such a computer network. This technology converts original image data scanned by an image transmission device connected to the Internet (computer network) into data of a format that can be transmitted and received as an attachment file of an email, and makes the attachment file for an email. An electronic mail with an attached file is transmitted to a destination (host) device on the Internet.

Also in the field of facsimile machines, an internet fax machine which sends a scanned image to an address on the Internet (a host machine, a facsimile machine or the like to which the address is assigned) has been put into practical use.

Such a network image transmission device is
Facsimile (FAX) transmission, electronic mail transmission via LAN (E-mail transmission), facsimile transmission via LAN, etc. are possible.

[0006]

By the way, in the conventional network image transmitting apparatus as described above, all the originals set at one time are sequentially read, and the images of all the originals are transmitted as one file. Was configured to do.

In the conventional apparatus, all of a plurality of originals for one scanning (reading) are transmitted as one file. Specifically, in the conventional apparatus, if ten originals are set on the tray on which the originals to be scanned are set, then the originals are converted into, for example, TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format and transmitted as one file. It was only possible to do.

For this reason, conventionally, when transmitting a material in which documents, drawings, photographs and the like are mixed, it is necessary to set scan settings according to the documents, drawings, photographs, etc.
Documents, drawings, photographs, etc. are collected as separate documents,
Each had to be sent as separate attachments in multiple emails or multiple send operations for each document.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to read data obtained by reading a set original document as a plurality of files at one time, that is, as one electronic mail to a network. An object of the present invention is to provide an image transmitting device capable of transmitting and receiving via an image.

[0010]

An image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention can read a document to be transmitted and output the document data, and the document data output by the reading unit can be transmitted via a network. What is claimed is: 1. An image transmitting apparatus, comprising: a converting unit for converting data into data; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the data converted by the converting unit as an attached file of an electronic mail via a network. The manuscript data for a plurality of pages read by the reading unit is divided into a plurality of files composed of one page or a plurality of pages of manuscript data, and these plurality of files are transmitted through the network by one transmission operation. The transmitting means is adapted to transmit.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of pages of originals to be transmitted are read by the reading means, and the plurality of pages of original data are composed of one page or a plurality of pages of original data. It is divided into a plurality of files, and these plurality of files are transmitted by the transmitting means via the network in one transmission operation.

In the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention according to the above invention, when the reading unit reads a series of originals to be transmitted as one file, an instruction for receiving an instruction as to whether or not there is an original to be transmitted as another file is given. When the accepting unit and the instruction accepting unit accept that there is a document to be transmitted as a separate file, the document is read again by the reading unit, and this document data is different from the document data of the document previously read. A file forming means for forming a file as a file, and when the instruction receiving means accepts that there is no manuscript to be transmitted as another file, the transmitting means transmits each file formed by the file forming means up to that time. It is characterized by being sent.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, when the instruction receiving unit receives the fact that there is a document to be transmitted as a separate file, the document is read again by the reading unit and the document data is read first. Filed by the filing means as a file different from the manuscript data of the prepared manuscript, and when the instruction accepting means accepts that there is no manuscript to be transmitted as a separate file, the filing means has filed by that time. Each file is transmitted by the transmission means.

In the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, a set number receiving means for receiving the set number of originals to be filed in one file is provided, and the reading number is set by the set number receiving means. Each time the manuscript is read, the manuscript data is filed as one file by the filing means.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, 1
The set number of originals to be filed into a file is accepted by the set number accepting means, and each time the accepted number of originals are read by the reading means, the original data is filed as one file by the filing means. To be done.

The image transmitting apparatus of the present invention comprises, in the above invention, a set number receiving means for receiving a plurality of set number of originals to be filed in one file, and a plurality of set number of sheets received by the set number receiving means is received. It is characterized in that the filing means makes a file as one file for each set number of sheets in order.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, 1
A plurality of set numbers of originals to be filed in a file are accepted by the set number accepting means, and each file number set in the order of the accepted plurality of set numbers is filed as one file by the filing means. .

In the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, the automatic document feeder for feeding the original to be transmitted to the reading means and the number of originals filed in one file are accepted by the set number accepting means. If the number of sheets is smaller than the set number, the informing means for informing the user to set the insufficient number of originals is provided.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, 1
When the number of originals to be filed in a file is smaller than the set number of sheets accepted by the set number accepting means, the informing means issues a request for setting the insufficient number of originals.

The image transmitting apparatus of the present invention comprises, in the above invention, an automatic document feeding device for feeding the document to be transmitted to the reading means, and the filing means sets the number of documents to be filed into one file. When the number of sheets is smaller than the set number of sheets received by the set number of sheets receiving means, the number of originals smaller than the set number of sheets is converted into one file.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, 1
When the number of originals filed into a file is smaller than the set number of sheets accepted by the set number accepting means, the number of originals smaller than the set number of sheets is filed by the file forming means into one file.

In the image transmission apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, the image transmission apparatus is provided with an automatic original document feeder for feeding the original document to be transmitted to the reading means, and the filing means sets the number of originals filed into one file. When the set number of sheets received by the set number receiving unit is smaller than the set number, the number of originals smaller than the set number is discarded.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, 1
When the number of documents to be filed into a file is smaller than the set number of sheets received by the set number receiving unit, the number of originals smaller than the set number is discarded by the file forming unit.

In the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, an automatic document feeder for feeding an original to be transmitted to the reading means, and a plurality of originals fed to the reading means into separate files. Separator detecting means for detecting whether or not there is a separator to be inserted between the originals to be filed, and the filing means separates the originals before and after the separator when the separator detecting means detects the separators. It is characterized in that it is made into a file in the file.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, when the separator detecting means detects the separator, the documents before and after the separator are filed into separate files by the file forming means.

The image transmitting apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the separator is a document on which a predetermined bar code is displayed.

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, a document on which a predetermined bar code is displayed is used as a separator.

In the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above invention, the separator is a manuscript in which character information indicating that the manuscript before and after the separator should be filed in another file is described. .

In such an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, a document in which character information indicating that the document before and after the separator should be filed in another file is used as the separator.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example in which the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention capable of transmitting facsimile data and electronic mail via a network by scanning image data of a transmission original is embodied as a facsimile / email apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile / e-mail device 1 which is an image transmitting device of the present invention includes a main control section (encoding system selecting means) 2, a control memory 3, a control buffer 4, and an image storage. Unit 5, format conversion unit 7, reading unit 8, recording unit 9, panel control unit 10, encoding / decoding control unit 11, LAN control unit 12, modem 13, network control unit (NC
A U: Network Control Unit) 14 and an identification symbol processing unit 15 functioning as a separator detecting unit for identifying a separator sheet, which are mutually connected by an internal bus.

Main controller 2 is realized by a CPU, for example, and controls facsimile / e-mail device 1 in accordance with a control program stored in control memory 3. Also, in the present embodiment, transmission is performed using the set destination information.

The control memory 3 is a non-volatile memory or a backed up memory, and stores a control program of the main control unit 2, partner information and the like. The control buffer 4 is a RAM and is used for data storage when the main control unit 2 executes the control program.

The image storage unit 5 includes a coding / decoding control unit 11
The image data encoded by the above, the encoded image data is stored, and the data read from the reading unit 8 is stored.
Alternatively, the data or the like received from the outside is stored.

The format conversion unit 7 functions as a conversion unit and a filing unit, and converts the image data encoded by the encoding / decoding control unit 11 into a predetermined file format as described later. The reading unit 8 functions as a reading unit, is a scanner using a CCD, reads a document as a document image of a predetermined resolution, and outputs the result as dot image data (document data). The recording unit 9 is provided with an electrophotographic printer device in the present embodiment, and hard copies (prints out) data such as a document received by communication.

The panel control unit 10 includes a display device / operation unit 1
6 is connected, and when an operator operates the display device / operation unit 16 to give an instruction such as reading a document or inputting a destination, the panel control unit 10 displays a corresponding screen on the display device / operation unit 16. indicate. The display device / operation unit 16 is
Liquid crystal display device (L
The display device includes a display device that functions as a notification unit such as a CD) or a CRT display, and an operation unit that functions as a touch panel type instruction reception unit or a set number reception unit. Note that the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 may have a configuration in which an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse necessary for operating the facsimile / e-mail device 1 is separately provided instead of the touch panel system. In the present embodiment, the destination is set from the touch panel of the display device / operation unit 16, and the set destination information is stored in the control memory 3.

The encoding / decoding control unit 11 encodes the read original data and decodes the received encoded data. That is, the coding / decoding control unit 11 has both a function of coding and compressing the image signal read by the reading unit 8 and a function of decoding the coded and compressed image information into the original image signal. It has a function. The encoding / decoding control unit 11 can use an encoding method such as MH (Modified Hufman), MR (Modified READ), and MMR (Modified Modified READ) that are generally used in facsimile communication.

The LAN control unit 12 also functions as a transmission means, is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), and allows the facsimile / e-mail device 1 to communicate electronic mail data via the Internet and to connect to the Internet FAX. It is possible to communicate.

The modem 13 is connected to the analog public telephone network (PSTN) via the network control unit 14 and can carry out normal facsimile communication. Thus, the modem 13 is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication, and the modem 13 is directly connected to the network control unit 14. Network control unit 14
Is connected to the PSTN and performs line control. That is, the network control unit 14 is hardware that performs the operation of closing and opening the line with the analog PSTN, and connects the modem 13 to the PSTN as necessary.

By the way, the Internet FAX has a function of transmitting and receiving electronic mail through a computer network such as LAN using a LAN interface.
More specifically, the image information (for example, bitmap data) read by the scanner of the reading unit 8 is converted into, for example, M
Compress in a compression format such as H to obtain a compressed file. The compression at this time is performed page by page in the original document. Then, the format converter 7 converts these compressed files into 1
It is converted into two TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) files, and this TIFF file is attached to a multipart mail according to, for example, MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) specified in RFC822.

Note that instead of TIFF, for example, PDF (Portable
Document Format File) can also be used.

By the above processing, the image information is converted into the electronic mail format. This email is LAN
The control unit 12 sends SMTP (S
Sent using a mail transfer protocol such as imple Mail Transfer Protocol).

Next, the basic processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail apparatus 1 which is the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This facsimile / e-mail device 1 is used for facsimile transmission and e-mail transmission via LAN (E-Mail
Sending) or Internet fax transmission.

First, a destination input process (step S1) is performed. Specifically, the address of the transmission destination is input. In this destination input process, the transmission method to the destination, that is, whether or not the facsimile transmission is performed is designated (step S2).

If YES in step S2, that is, if facsimile transmission is designated, the reading unit 8 scans the document, that is, reads (step S3), and the document data such as the read image information is read. Is encoded by the encoding / decoding control unit 11 (step S
4). The encoded document data is once stored in image storage unit 5 (step S5), and then a facsimile transmission process is performed (step S6).

On the other hand, in the case of NO at step S2,
That is, if the facsimile transmission is not designated, the reading unit 8 scans the document, that is, reads it (step S7), and the read document data is encoded by the encoding / decoding control unit 11 (step S).
8). The encoded document data is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 5 (step S9), and further converted by the format conversion unit 7 into a file format that can be transmitted and received by electronic mail (step S10). Then, this file format converted file is L
It is transmitted via AN (step S11).

Here, in the case of electronic mail transmission, a header is added to the encoded document data when converting the file format in step S10. The format conversion in step S10 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, document data such as image information (image data) is stored in the image storage unit 5 as encoded data. Then, the format conversion unit 7 converts the format and adds header information to the encoded data. Actually, the encoded data is converted into character data to be an attached file.

Here, TIFF (Tagged Image File Forma)
t) is an image data format developed by Aldus and Microsoft. One image data is stored in one file in various formats with different resolution, number of colors, and encoding method. Since it is possible, the image format is relatively independent of application software. Further, in the conventionally used G3 facsimile apparatus, since the communication procedure and the communication method which are originally different from the computer network are used, it is impossible to directly access the computer network, but by converting to the attached file format of the electronic mail. , Can be sent directly to computer networks as e-mail.

In addition, ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T is used as a file format for facsimile communication of monochrome binary or color image on a network.
Compliant TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) -F, TIFF-F
A multi-page TIFF method such as X, that is, a method of embedding a manuscript of multiple pages in one TIFF file and sending it by one e-mail is used, which is a standard format.

Next, the network image transmission device 1 performs AD
Image reading / file conversion (steps S3 to S5 and steps S7 to S1 in FIG. 2) in the case of having an F (Automatic Document Feeder)
The specific operation of 0) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the operator manually sets the originals to be different files in the ADF.

The ADF sequentially feeds the originals set at predetermined positions one by one to the reading position of the reading unit 8 and, after the originals are read by the reading unit 8, is conveyed to a predetermined take-out position. To do.

First, the operator sets one or a plurality of originals to be transmitted as one file in the ADF (step S41). Then, the operator then uses the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 to set the resolution,
Scan settings (setting of reading conditions) such as destination address, compression format (MH, etc.), file format of transmission such as TIFF, PDF, etc. are performed (step S42). Then, after all the scan settings are completed, the operator presses the start key for reading the original (scanning) (step S43). The start key is provided on the operation unit (touch panel) of the display device / operation unit 16.

The reading of the original is started by the operation of the operator as described above (step S44), and when all the originals set in the ADF are read (step S4).
5) The data of those originals is converted into a file by the format conversion section 7 (step S46).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not another file reading instruction is given (step S47). This is because the panel control unit 10 displays on the display device of the display device / operation unit 16,
A selection as to whether or not to read a new document desired to be a different file is displayed, and the operator who confirms the selection selects YES / NO on the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16. That is, the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 functions as an instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction regarding the presence / absence of a document to be transmitted as a separate file here. When the operator gives an instruction to read another file (YES in step S47), the step of setting the original document to be transmitted as one file by the operator again, that is, the operation from step S41 is repeated. On the other hand, if the operator does not read another file, that is, if the operator instructs to finish reading the document (NO in step S47),
All files created up to that point are transmitted as attachments to the e-mail (step S48).

As described above, the control memory 3 stores a program for repeatedly making a file when the operator gives an instruction to read another file.

Next, the flow chart of FIG. 5 will be described for the specific operation of image reading and filing when the network image transmitting apparatus 1 is provided with a document table (manually setting documents one by one). Will be described with reference to.

First, the operator sets a document on the document table (step S51). Since the original table can read only one original in one scan, the originals are set one by one. Then, the operator uses the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 to perform scan settings (setting of reading conditions) such as resolution, destination address, compression format (MH, etc.), transmission format of TIFF, PDF, etc. ( Step S52). When all the scan settings are completed, the operator presses the start key for reading the original (scanning) (step S53). This start key is
The operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 is provided.

When the reading of the one original document is completed (step S54), it is determined whether or not there is an original document to be filed in the same file as the original document that has just been read (next original document reading instruction). Panel control unit 1
Since 0 is displayed on the display device of the display device / operation unit 16,
The operator who confirms it displays YES / NO on the display device /
An instruction is given on the operation unit of the operation unit 16 (step S5
5). If there is such a manuscript, the operator does YE
S is instructed (YES in step S55), the document is set again on the document table (step S51), and the same process is repeated thereafter. On the other hand, if there are no originals to be filed in the same file, the operator instructs NO (step S
(NO in 55), and the read original data is filed into one file (step S56).

Then, it is judged whether or not another file reading instruction is given (step S57). This is because the panel control unit 10 displays on the display device of the display device / operation unit 16,
A selection as to whether or not to read a new document desired to be a different file is displayed, and the operator who confirms the selection selects YES / NO on the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16. Then, when the operator instructs reading of another file (YES in step S57), the operator again reads the documents to be transmitted as one file one by one, that is, sets the document on the document table in step S51. The operation from is repeated. On the other hand, if the operator does not read another file, that is, if the operator instructs to finish reading the document (N in step S57).
O), all files created up to that point are transmitted as attachments to the e-mail (step S58).

Next, the network image transmitting apparatus 1 performs AD
Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 show the specific operation of image reading and filing when F (Automatic Document Feeder) is provided and the original set of another file is set by setting the number of sheets. It will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that A in FIG. 6 is A in FIG.
In addition, B in FIG. 7 is connected to B in FIG.

In this example, instead of manually adding a manuscript for each manuscript to be made into a separate file, the operator does not have to manually add the manuscripts to the one file in the operation unit (touch panel) of the display / operation unit 16. By setting, the file is made into a plurality of files for each set number of sheets. The set number of sheets may be set after setting the transmission document in the ADF.
Alternatively, it may be stored (registered) in the apparatus main body in advance, and read out and used to form a plurality of files.

First, the operator sets all the originals to be sent at once in the ADF (step S61). Then, the operator operates the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 to set the number of pages to be filed in one file (step S62), and presses the start key (step S63). At this time, for example, if "2" is set,
The documents set in the ADF are filed into two files, one by two. When setting the number of pages to be filed, the scan setting similar to the above is also performed. Therefore, in this case, the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 functions as a set number receiving unit that receives the set number of documents to be filed in one file.

Then, the reading of the document by the ADF is started (step S64), and when the reading of the set number of pages (for example, 2 pages) is completed (step S6).
If YES in step 5, the original data is filed into one file (step S66). If the document read last is the final document set in the ADF (YES in step S67), all files created up to that point are transmitted as attachments to the e-mail (step S68). ).

However, if the document read last is not the final document set in the ADF (NO in step S67), the document following the document previously documented in the previous file is read again in step S6.
4 and subsequent steps are repeated.

On the other hand, when the set number of pages (for example, two pages) cannot be read after the document reading is started in step S64, that is, the set number of pages is insufficient (step S65). So N
O), or if the document read last is not the final document set in the ADF (step S6)
If NO in step 9), the steps from step S64 of reading the original are repeated again.

Further, after the reading of the original document is started in step S64, the set number of pages (for example, 2 pages) cannot be read (N in step S65).
(O), and if the document read last is the final document set in the ADF (step S6)
9), the panel control unit 10 displays a display for selecting whether to forcibly file the document data of the remaining document, that is, the document data of which the number of set documents is insufficient (forced file conversion). 16 is done. Here, when the number of originals is insufficient, for example, when 11 sheets of originals are set and two sheets are set to be a file, only the 11th sheet remains at the end. This is the case.

If the operator does not instruct the forced file formation (NO in step S70), the panel control unit 10 displays a display for selecting whether to discard the document data which is not the set number of sheets. Part 16 On the other hand, when the operator gives an instruction not to discard (NO in step S71), it is displayed by the panel control unit 10 on the display device / operation unit 16 whether the process is performed according to the machine setting (for example, whether it is time-out). Displayed on the device. On the other hand, when the operator gives an instruction not to follow the machine setting (step S72)
NO), again displaying a selection as to whether or not the document data, which has not reached the set number, is forcibly made into a file.
From 70 onward is repeated. When the operator gives an instruction according to the machine setting (YES in step S72),
Processing is performed according to the machine settings ("Force file conversion" or "Discard originals that do not meet the set number") (step S
75).

If YES in step S70, that is, if the operator gives an instruction for compulsory filing, the manuscript data which does not meet the set number of sheets is filing (step S70).
73) and, if YES in step S71,
That is, when the operator instructs to discard the original data that is insufficient for the set number of sheets, the original data (data before filing) that is insufficient for the set number of sheets is discarded (step S74).
After that, if the machine settings are further followed in step S72, all the files created up to that point are transmitted as attached files of the e-mail (step S68).

The number of pages to be filed in step S62 set by the operator is not limited to one type, but a plurality of pages such as "2, 4," may be set.
You may make a setting such as "5". When set in this way, from the original of one sheet, the original of two sheets, the original of four sheets
Files are formed such as one sheet, five original sheets, two original sheets, four original sheets, and so on.

If YES at step 69, the panel control unit 10 may display on the display unit of the display unit / operation unit 16 so that the set number of documents is set to be insufficient.

Next, the network image transmitting apparatus 1 performs AD
8 is a flowchart of FIG. 8 showing a specific operation of image reading and filing when F (Automatic Document Feeder) is provided and a document set of another file is performed by using a separate sheet. It will be described based on.

In this example, between two originals filed in another file in the middle of a plurality of originals set in the ADF (the last original of one file and the first original of the next file are By inserting a dedicated separate paper different from the original you want to send, the original is automatically converted into multiple files.

First, the operator sets all the originals to be sent at once in the ADF (step S81). Then, the operator operates the operation unit of the display device / operation unit 16 to perform scan settings (setting of reading conditions) such as resolution, destination address, compression format (MH, etc.), transmission format of TIFF, PDF, etc. Is performed (step S82).
Then, after all the scan settings are completed, the operator presses the start key for document reading (scanning) (step S83).

Then, the reading of the original by the ADF is started (step S84), and if there is a separate sheet during the reading of the original, it is detected by the identification symbol processing unit 15 (YES in step S85). At this point, the document data up to the document immediately before the detected separate sheet is filed into one file (step S86). Then, when the separate sheet detected in step S85 is the final document (the last one of all the documents set in the ADF) (step S85).
If YES at 87), all the files created up to that point are transmitted as attachments to the e-mail (step S89).

If the separate sheet detected in step S85 is not the final document (N in step S87)
O), and the document reading step S84 and subsequent steps are repeated again.

If the read original is neither a separate sheet (NO in step S85) nor the final original (NO in step S90), steps S84 and subsequent steps of reading the original are repeated again.

If the read original is not the separate paper (NO in step S85) but is the final original (YES in step S90), the original data of the originals read after the separate paper is read. The file is made into one file (step S88), and all the files created up to that point are transmitted as attachments of the electronic mail (step S89).

In order for the identification symbol processing unit 15 to recognize that the separate sheet is a separator,
Needless to say, it is necessary that the paper has a print pattern that cannot be a normal original. 9 and 10
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a separate (separator) SP that satisfies such a condition.

For example, as a first example, as shown in FIG. 9, an identification symbol I indicating that it is a separator SP1.
Separate sheet S with a bar code printed as D1
P1 can be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a special marking, for example, an identification symbol SP2 such as a “★” mark, or an identification character such as a “separator” is described, and character recognition is performed at the time of reading, so that the separator It is possible to use a separate paper in which a desired document is read in advance and is detected by pattern matching with the document.

Further, at the leading edge of the separate paper, the number of documents to be filed into one file after the separate paper may be described in advance. That is, when distinguishing documents to be filed with a separator, the number of documents should be written in advance at the beginning of the separator as an identification symbol, so that when the separator is read, the number of documents to be filed in the next file Can be recognized.

For example, by writing the number "2" in advance at the beginning of the separate sheet, the two originals after the separate sheet are filed into one file.

In such a case, if the number of sheets described in advance on the separate sheet does not match the number of original pages actually read after the separate sheet, the panel control unit 10 informs the display device / It is displayed on the display device of the operation unit 16 and the transmission is stopped, or a warning indicating that they do not match is added and transmitted. In this case, the operator sends a warning to the destination, that is, the operator's personal computer, by designating the destination to which the operator wants to issue the warning (generally, the terminal device such as a personal computer normally used by the operator himself). It may be done. This allows the operator to take appropriate measures.

Further, for example, when "2, 4, 5" is written at the beginning of the separate sheet, the originals after the separate sheet are filed into two files, four sheets, and five sheets, one file each. Of course, it is possible to do so. In this case, only one sheet of paper is required as a separator. In this case, it is also possible to realize by inserting a special format sheet (separation designation sheet) SP3 in which such a message is described in advance at the beginning of the entire original to be transmitted, instead of the separate sheet. it can. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of such a special-format sheet, and the separation of files is described in “first
By describing such as “file: 2”, “second file: 4”, “third file: 5”, the identification symbol processing unit 15 identifies these pieces of information, and two sheets are provided as the first file. Is processed into a single file including four originals as a second file and five originals as a third file.

In addition to the above, as the separator, it is also possible to use, for example, completely white paper, completely black paper, etc. by setting in advance.

[0086]

As described above in detail, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, the document original and the image original are made into files in separate files or a plurality of documents are obtained by one reading operation. Even if you save the files as separate files, you can send the multiple files as a batch by attaching them to an e-mail, so you do not have to send the files multiple times, and the operation is simple and the operations required for sending. It also saves time,
Work efficiency increases. Further, file management becomes easy not only on the transmitting side but also on the receiving side.

Further, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, the read original data can be easily filed into a plurality of separate files.

Further, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, even when the number of read originals is smaller than the set number, the originals can be processed. Here, the operation mode may be set in advance, or, for example, a message "There is a page shortage" may be displayed at the time of reading, and at that time, the operator may forcibly send it as it is, or the shortage may be filed. It may be made possible to select either to discard without doing it or to set a new shortage. As a method of forced transmission, for example, a method in which an operator pushes a start key or the like, or if a document is not set by the time-out, automatic transmission is possible. In addition, as another method, an operator and /
Alternatively, the email address of the recipient may be notified by email.

Further, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, each time the separator is detected, the original data read up to that time is filed into one file. Therefore, a plurality of files thus filed are electronically converted. You can attach it to an email and send it once. Further, the original document to be used as a separator is read in advance and detected by pattern matching when reading the original document to be transmitted, so that the read original data can be easily filed into a plurality of separate files.

Further, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, the read original data can be easily filed into a plurality of separate files.

Further, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, the character information written in the separator is character-recognized when the original to be transmitted is read, so that the originals before and after the separator are filed in separate files. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example in which an image transmitting apparatus of the present invention is embodied as a facsimile / e-mail apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a basic processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail device which is the image transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining file format conversion in the case of electronic mail transmission.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail device that is the image transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail device that is the image transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail device that is the image transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail device that is the image transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the operation of the facsimile / e-mail device that is the image transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a separate sheet.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of a separate sheet.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a special-format sheet for filing.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile / e-mail device (image transmission device of the present invention) 2 Main control unit 3 Control memory 4 Control buffer 5 Image storage unit 7 Format conversion unit (conversion means, filing means) 8 Reading unit (reading means) 9 Recording unit 10 Panel control unit 11 Encoding / decoding control unit 12 LAN control unit (transmission unit) 13 Modem 14 Network control unit (NCU: Network Control Unit) 15 Identification symbol processing unit (separator detection unit) 16 Display device / operation unit (Instruction acceptance means, set number acceptance means, notification means) SP1 Separator SP2 Separator SP3 Separation designation paper ID1 Identification code ID2 Identification code

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A reading unit for reading a document to be transmitted and outputting document data, a conversion unit for converting the document data output by the reading unit into data that can be transmitted via a network, and conversion by the conversion unit. An image transmitting apparatus comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the generated data as an attached file of an electronic mail via a network, wherein a plurality of pages of original data obtained by reading an original of a plurality of pages to be transmitted by the reading unit is transmitted. It is characterized in that it is divided into a plurality of files composed of manuscript data for one page or a plurality of pages, and the plurality of files are transmitted by the transmitting means via the network by one transmission operation. Image transmission device. 2. An instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction as to whether or not there is an original to be transmitted as another file when the series of originals to be transmitted as one file are read by the reading means, and the instruction accepting means is different. When it is accepted that there is a document to be transmitted as a file, the document reading unit reads the document again, and a filing unit for filing the document data as a file different from the document data of the document previously read. When the instruction accepting unit accepts that there is no original to be transmitted as a separate file, the transmitting unit transmits the respective files that have been filed by the file forming unit. The image transmission device according to claim 1. 3. A set number receiving unit for receiving a set number of originals to be filed in one file, and each time the reading unit reads the set number of originals received by the set number receiving unit, the original data thereof is read. 2. The file conversion means converts each file into one file.
The image transmission device according to 1. 4. A set number receiving unit for receiving a plurality of set numbers of originals to be filed in one file, wherein the set number of sheets received by the set number receiving unit is set for each set number of sheets. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filing means is adapted to file each as one file. 5. An automatic document feeder for feeding a document to be transmitted to the reading means, and when the number of documents to be filed in one file is less than the set number accepted by the set number accepting means, The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: an informing unit that issues an informing request to set the insufficient number of originals. 6. An automatic document feeder for feeding a document to be transmitted to the reading means, wherein the filing unit sets the number of documents to be filed into one file, which is set by the set number receiving unit. 5. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the number of originals is smaller than the set number, the number of originals smaller than the set number is set as one file. 7. An automatic document feeder for feeding a document to be transmitted to the reading means, wherein the filing unit sets the number of documents to be filed into one file, which is set by the set number receiving unit. 5. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the number of originals is smaller than the number of originals, the number of originals smaller than the set number of originals is discarded. 8. An automatic document feeder for feeding a document to be transmitted to said reading means, and a separator inserted between the documents desired to be filed into separate files among a plurality of documents fed to said reading means. And a separator detecting means for detecting whether or not the original exists before and after the separator detecting means detects the separator. The image transmission device according to claim 1, wherein 9. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the separator is a document on which a predetermined barcode is displayed. 10. The separator is a manuscript in which character information indicating that the manuscript before and after the separator should be filed in another file is described.
The image transmission device according to 1.